Afghanistan’s weakened government protested Sunday against a key component of a deal between the US and the Taliban, setting the scene for fractious talks when Kabul and the insurgents meet to strike a separate agreement.

At least seven Afghan soldiers were killed when the Taliban attacked their base Tuesday, the latest brazen assault in Afghanistan’s north, where local and international forces are bracing for violent months ahead.

Taliban suicide bombers targeted a key US military base in Afghanistan yesterday in a major attack that wounded more than 70 civilians, officials said, amid renewed peace talks between the United States and the militants.

The US negotiator on Afghanistan will shortly resume talks with the Taliban and seek efforts toward a ceasefire, officials said Wednesday, three months after President Donald Trump abruptly halted diplomatic efforts that could end America’s longest war.

There are few questions that need to be answered: Why were Kabul attacks carried out right in the middle of the peace dialogues? Why have Taliban carried out many other attacks after the September 16th attacks?

The Taliban killed at least 10 people and wounded 90 Thursday after a car bomb targeting an intelligence services building exploded and destroyed a nearby hospital in the southern Afghan city of Qalat, the governor of Zabul province told AFP.

It is a memorable retreat for National Security Adviser John Bolton after a year and a half in office. Known as a “hawk,” he was a foreign policy hardliner who always openly demanded military strikes and who, above all, was decidedly against any form of diplomacy with political opponents.

US President Donald Trump proclaimed talks with Afghanistan’s Taliban leaders dead on Monday, while the general in charge said the US military is likely to ramp up operations in Afghanistan to counter an increase in Taliban attacks.

During a lull in Afghanistan’s never-ending war, before the fighting season resumes once again in the spring, Taliban fighters recall laying down their Kalashnikovs and, for a brief moment, enjoying a game of cricket.